Mobile apparatus for configuring portable devices to be used on-board mobile platforms

ABSTRACT

A mobile apparatus for configuring, testing or providing portable electronic devices for accessing an on-board system of a mobile platform provides a single convenient location for ensuring proper configuration. Portable electronic devices pre-configured for connection to the on-board system are easily tested and re-configured if needed. Further, external components, such as PC cards or disk drives may be provided for configuring the portable electronic devices for accessing the on-board system. Entire portable electronic devices having limited components also may be provided for accessing the on-board system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to bi-directional electroniccommunication systems, and more particularly to configuring a portabledevice using a mobile apparatus to provide bi-directional communicationon-board a mobile platform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The need to provide bi-directional data communication while in-transitis increasingly important. In particular, the use of portable electronicdevices (e.g., laptop computers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs))for electronic communication has become widespread, thereby makingaccess to the electronic resources (e.g., Internet) more readilyavailable while in-transit. For example, connection to the Internet fromlaptop computers is now available via cellular telephones, whichthemselves may provide direct Internet access. Further, Internet accessis becoming increasingly available while on-board mobile platforms,including specifically aircrafts, and will soon be common on-boardaircrafts. In particular, access to the Internet is available usingon-board systems, such as the Connexion by Boeing™ system provided bythe Boeing Company.

In general, in order to access the Internet or communicateelectronically using a service provider, the device to be used forcommunication must be properly configured (i.e., necessary hardware andsoftware must be installed). For example, when accessing the Internetusing an Internet Service Provider (ISP), the proper configurationinformation and files must be installed within the electronic device(e.g., laptop computer). Further, a determination must be made as to theavailable communication and system components provided within theelectronic device in order to configure these components for compatibledata communication. However, it might also be determined that thecommunication or system components do not meet the minimum requirementsto access the particular system or service.

There are various methods for providing the necessary configurationinformation to the electronic devices (e.g., portable devices) andinclude, for example: (1) downloaded electronically via the Internetfrom a specific Web-site; (2) on electronic media, such as a CD-ROM ordisk; or (3) preloaded on the electronic device. If a user is unable toproperly configure the electronic device, technical support may beprovided on-line or by calling technical support. If the electronicdevice is still not properly configured, it may have to be diagnosed todetermine if conflicts or other problems exist. This may be provided bythe manufacturer of the electronic device and/or special technicalsupport groups, and may require further hardware testing. This processis often very inconvenient and time-consuming. Further, theconfiguration of the electronic device may only be provided because aparticular communication interface is needed for a one time or limitedduration event (i.e., limited free access to a service), thereafter tobe restored to the initial settings, thus, creating further frustration.

With respect to configuring an electronic device for communication withsystems on-board mobile platforms in order to access, for example, theInternet, it is particularly important that the electronic device isproperly configured for operation with the on-board system beforeattempting use while in-transit, especially in aircrafts. For example,after boarding an aircraft, it is virtually impossible to trouble shootan electronic device that is not properly configured for communicationwith the on-board system. Generally, a user will have to attempt toreconfigure the electronic device or obtain technical support after theaircraft has reached its destination. Thus, if the electronic device isnot properly configured before in-transit operation, the electronicdevice will be unable to access on-board systems and is much less usefulwhile on-board the mobile platform (e.g., unable to communicateelectronically via the Internet).

Thus, there exists a need to provide an apparatus and method forconveniently and easily confirming proper configuration of an electronicdevice before use in-transit, or for configuring the electronic deviceif not already or properly configured, to thereby ensure communicationwith on-board systems while in-transit on a mobile platform (i.e., useon-board communication services). The apparatus needs to verify thehardware and software configuration of different types of devices toensure proper operation in connection with on-board systems (i.e.,proprietary services).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, when configuring an electronic device to communicate with aparticular system or network (e.g., to provide a point-of-presence onthe Internet), not only does specific configuration information have tobe provided to the electronic device (i.e., software loaded onto thedevice), but the hardware capabilities of the electronic device must bedetermined.

The present invention provides a mobile apparatus and method ofproviding the same that tests portable electronic devices to ensureproper configuration if preinstallation of software has been provided,or otherwise configures the electronic device for proper operation whilein-transit on-board a mobile platform. Necessary software to beinstalled on the portable electronic devices to provide theconfiguration information may be accessed using different procedures orprocesses. The present invention provides for testing the electronicdevice for proper configuration after installation, as well asconfiguring improperly configured devices or devices not yet configured.

For example, a user may log onto a specialized Web site via theInternet, and once connected, the Web site will perform specificprocedures to examine the hardware and software configuration of theelectronic device, including determining if it contains the minimumcapabilities needed to access the system or network. If the necessaryhardware capability is present, configuration information may beprovided to the electronic device to allow for different types ofconnections. Hardware support to provide these different connections mayinclude, for example the following: (1) an Ethernet 802.11B wirelessconnection; (2) a USB port with active device drivers and TCP/IPsupport; or (3) an Ethernet port with TCP/IP support. If appropriatehardware support is not available, modifications to the electronicdevice will be necessary (e.g., hardware upgrade).

In operation, once the hardware is verified, the Web site typically willload a standalone software program onto the electronic device, which mayinclude providing an icon on the electronic device (e.g., a laptop'sdesktop) to facilitate access to the system or network. A user will thensimply activate (e.g., “double click”) the icon to connect to the systemor network to access, for example, on-board services. Before a firstconnection to the system or network, the software may require that theuser to specify the connection method to be used (i.e., USB, wireless orEthernet). Thereafter, a determination is preferably made as to theInternet browser and mail service to be used, and appropriateconfiguration information is provided for the Internet browser and mailservice to access the system or network to thereby provide service. If auser plans to connect an electronic device to another system whileon-board the mobile platform (e.g., corporate server), the software willrequest the data needed to locate and gain access to that system.Further, the software may obtain billing data from the user to coverpayment for the service when it is used. After completing the initialsetup process the user will simply activate the icon to connect to anduse the system or network (e.g., on-board system).

Alternately, electronic media, such as, for example, a CD-ROM, mayprovide configuration information to the electronic device. Theelectronic media may be distributed in any known manner, including, forexample, at trade shows, by direct mail, as tie-ins with other massdistributed electronic media (e.g., AOL CD-ROM), or other suitabledistribution means. The electronic media allows for pre-installation ofsoftware for accessing the system or network without using the Internet.The electronic media preferably contains all the software describedabove and required to configure the electronic device for use whilein-transit on-board the mobile platform to communicate with on-boardsystems.

The software needed to access the on-board systems also may bepre-installed on new electronic devices (e.g., laptops). In suchinstallations, the users may be required to enter billing data (i.e.,credit card information) after a demonstration period expires in orderto complete software setup on the new electronic device.

If software to access systems on-board the mobile platforms is installedon an electronic device, the present invention generally provides forconfirming or verifying proper setup (i.e., installation of properconfiguration files), which is performed prior to entering the mobileplatform. If the electronic device has not been configured, thenecessary software is provided on-site (i.e., at the airport terminal)via, for example, local download or on prerecorded media. Additionally,external hard disks may be provided if a user does not desire todownload the software to their electronic device (e.g., not enoughstorage space or privacy concerns). Further, if the electronic device isincapable of loading the software, or the system hardware requirementsare lower than those required by the system on-board the mobileplatform, such that it will not work in connection with the system, astand alone electronic device may be provided for use while in-transit(i.e., a loaner electronic device). Such loaner electronic device mayalso be provided if the user does not have an electronic device foraccessing the system on-board the mobile platform.

Generally, the present invention provides a mobile apparatus (e.g.,kiosk or wheeled cart) for conveniently and easily confirming orverifying the installation of software on a portable electronic deviceneeded to access systems on-board a mobile platform as described herein.Further, if the software is not properly installed, such that theportable electronic device is not properly configured, the presentinvention provides for reconfiguring the electronic device. If noconfiguration of the electronic device was provided, the presentinvention provides for configuring the electronic device for useon-board the mobile platform to access on-board electronic services. Ifno portable electronic device is available, the present invention alsomay provide a pre-configured portable electronic device for use whilein-transit to access the systems on-board the mobile platform.

Specifically, in one preferred embodiment of the present invention, amobile apparatus having wheels (e.g., a cart) and adapted for ensuringproper configuration of portable devices for use in communicationon-board a mobile platform is provided. The mobile device includes meansfor configuring the portable devices for use on-board the mobileplatform to provide communication (e.g., access electronic services froma proprietary system) and means for testing configured portable devicesto ensure compatibility with the system on-board the mobile platform tothereby provide communication. Testing may be provided on portabledevices configured according to the present invention, or configuredaccording to one of the other methods as described herein.

The means for configuring the portable devices preferably include thefollowing: (1) connection means for connecting the portable devices to amemory portion for obtaining configuration information; (2) aninput/output device adapted for connection to the portable devices andcontaining configuration information therein; and (3) electronic mediafor installation within the portable devices to provide configurationinformation. Further, support means may be provided for storingpre-configured portable devices.

Additionally, means for simulating the system on-board the mobileplatform (i.e., services provided while in-transit) for use in testingconfigured portable devices may be provided, and includes means forproviding confirmation of a properly configured portable device.

The means for testing may include a plurality of connection membersadapted for connection to different types of portable devices. Theportable devices may comprise portable computers and the terminal may bean airport terminal with the mobile apparatus constructed as a cart toprovide the means for configuring and the means for testing.

In another preferred embodiment, a system of the present inventionprovides for configuring portable devices for operation in connectionwith a mobile platform, such as, for example, a proprietary systemon-board the mobile platform. The mobile device includes a supportportion for storing pre-configured portable devices adapted foroperation in connection with the mobile platform, a memory portionaccessible by portable devices for obtaining configuration informationneeded to configure the portable devices for operation in connectionwith the mobile platform, and a testing portion for testing the portabledevices to confirm proper configuration for operation in connection withthe mobile platform. These portions are adapted to together be providedwithin a mobile wheeled cart at a terminal for the mobile platform(e.g., airport terminal).

The testing portion may include a plurality of connections adapted forconnecting to different types of portable devices. Removable storagedevices having configuration information therein may be provided thatare adapted for removal from the mobile wheeled cart and connected tothe portable devices.

The removable storage devices may include: (1) recordable media; or (2)a plurality of memory cards adapted for connection to the portabledevice, and wherein the memory cards may be PCMCIA configured. A printermay also be included as part of the mobile apparatus for providing areport of test results performed on a portable devices using the testingportion.

A method of the present invention provides for configuring portabledevices at a mobile platform terminal to access a system on-board amobile platform and communicate therewith. The method comprises thesteps of configuring the portable devices at the terminal for accessingthe system on-board the mobile platform and testing the portable devicesat the terminal prior to accessing the system on-board the mobileplatform to ensure proper configuration.

The method may also include providing pre-configured portable devicesusing the steps of configuring and testing. Further, a removableinterface adapted for connection to the portable devices to provide thestep of configuring may be used. Additionally, simulating systemson-board the mobile platform for use in testing the portable devices,and providing results relating to the testing of the portable devicesmay be provided.

Thus, the present invention provides a mobile apparatus for convenientlyand easily ensuring that portable devices are properly configured foraccessing systems on-board mobile platforms. Portable devices may betested, configured or reconfigured to provide proper operation andconnectivity before traveling on the mobile platform (e.g., aircraft).

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the various sources for usein configuring a portable electronic device;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram showing access to an on-boardsystem using a portable electronic device configured using one of thesources as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a mobile apparatus for configuringand testing portable electronic devices according to the principles ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the mobile apparatus of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses. Thus, although an apparatus of the presentinvention is described with certain component parts constructed andconfigured in a particular manner, it is not so limited, and variationsin design are contemplated by the inventor.

The present invention provides a system, which as described herein inexemplary form is constructed as a mobile apparatus (e.g., a kiosk orwheeled cart), and method of providing the same that conveniently andquickly verifies the configuration of or configures a portableelectronic device (e.g. a laptop) to ensure compatibility with a systemon-board a mobile platform. Further, if the portable electronic deviceis incapable of operation with the system on-board the mobile platform,or if one is not available, the present invention provides means forconnecting to and accessing the system while in-transit (e.g., a loanerlaptop).

With respect to configuring a portable electronic device forcommunication with a particular network or system (i.e., on-boardsystem), and in particular using known methods for providingconfiguration information, this may be further understood with referenceto FIGS. 1 and 2 by example. Thus, before further describing theinvention, it is useful to understand the network or system inconnection with which portable electronic devices configured accordingthe present invention may be used, including the various sources ofconfiguration information.

Generally, and as shown in FIG. 1, in order for an electronic device,and more particularly a portable electronic device 20 to communicatewith a particular network or system (e.g., system on-board a mobileplatform), the portable electronic device 20 must be configured tocommunicate with that network or system. It should be noted that theportable electronic device 20 typically must be specifically configuredfor each network or system with which communication is desired,including multiple systems accessed while on-board a mobile platform.This is particularly the case with portable electronic devices 20 and isneeded because different networks and systems have different connectionrequirements with different data transmission protocols or methods.

Configuration information for portable electronic devices 20 may beprovided from various sources, including, a specialized Web site via theInternet 22, using electronic media 24, or internally with pre-installedsoftware 26. When configuring the portable electronic device 20 usingconfiguration information from any of these sources, the hardwarecapabilities of the portable electronic device 20 are typically firstdetermined, and thereafter appropriate software (e.g., device drivers)are installed to provide subsequent communication with a particularnetwork or system.

For example, and with respect to operation while on-board mobileplatforms (e.g., aircrafts), once the portable electronic device 20 isconfigured for connection and access to an on-board system 28 as shownin FIG. 2, the installed software 30 provides control of the requiredhardware 32 (e.g., Ethernet card or USB port with TCP/IP support) withinthe portable electronic device 20 to communicate with the on-boardsystem 28. After a bi-directional communication link has beenestablished between the portable electronic device 20 and the on-boardsystem 28, access is provided to electronic services on-board the mobileplatform. For example, access may be provided to the Internet 34, toon-board content 36 (e.g., stored video or audio content) or to wirelesscommunication 38 capabilities.

Thus, in operation, and for example, a user may access email or othersimilar services while on-board a mobile platform via an on-board system28 using a portable electronic device 20. It should be noted thatconnection to the on-board system 28 may be provided in any known mannerand as required, such as, for example, through a Local Area Network(LAN) connection accessed via an Ethernet card installed within theportable electronic device 20. Further, the on-board system 28 mayobtain stored content or may obtain real-time information (e.g., via theInternet 34) using, for example, satellite communication or othersystems depending upon the mobile platform requirements.

Having described exemplary sources of configuration information and anexemplary system that may be accessed by a portable electronic device 20configured accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus andmethod for configuring and testing the portable electronic device 20.Generally an apparatus and method of the present invention ensurescommunication with the on-board system 28 using the portable electronicdevice 20 while therein (e.g., while in flight) as shown in FIGS. 3 and4.

In particular, FIG. 3 shows a mobile apparatus in exemplary formconstructed as a wheeled cart according to the principles of the presentinvention and designated generally by reference numeral 40. It should benoted that the mobile apparatus 40 may be used in connection withdifferent types of portable electronic devices 20 operating on differentsystems and having varied communication requirements. Generally, theportable electronic devices 20 must have certain minimum capabilities tocommunicate with the on-board system 28, which capabilities aredetermined by the mobile apparatus 40 as described herein. The minimumcapabilities for such portable electronic devices 20 are defined by theminimum requirements for communication with the on-board system 28. Forexample, minimum capabilities for the portable electronic devices 20 mayinclude:

(1) A specific operating system or version of operating system;

(2) A minimum processor speed;

(3) A minimum amount of free storage space (e.g., disk drive space) forinstalling necessary configuration and communication software; and

(4) Minimum input/output (I/O) capabilities, such as:

-   -   (a) a PC card slot, such as at least one available Personal        Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) PC Card        Standard Type II slot available on the portable electronic        device 20 (if only one slot is available and used, the existing        card may be removed);    -   (b) at least one available USB Port (any USB devices may be        removed if needed to free up the port for testing purposes);    -   (c) an Ethernet port using, for example, an RJ-45 connector; or    -   (d) a 802.11 B compatible wireless LAN port.        It should be noted that these requirements may be different        depending upon the type of portable electronic device 20 (e.g.,        a Wintel or Apple laptop).

With respect to the mobile apparatus 40 constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3, it preferablyprovides the physical infrastructure for all required hardware andsupport components needed to configure, test, or re-configure, andgenerally provide a portable electronic device 20 for communication withthe on-board system 28 as described herein.

Generally, the mobile apparatus 40 includes mounts and other supportitems to provide the various component parts for implementing thepresent invention including, for example, a control laptop, a localprinter, loaner portable electronic devices (e.g., laptops), replaceablehard drives, electronic media (e.g., CDs), among others as describedherein. The mobile apparatus 40 is preferably constructed such that itmay be easily moved on a set of wheels 42. Further, the mobile apparatus40 is also preferably constructed for easy transporting, andspecifically adapted for collapsing such that it can fit into standardaircraft stowage locations for transport to various destinations.Further the mobile apparatus 40 is operable in different physicallocations having different requirements, such as power requirements(e.g., both US and European AC power). Protection means are alsoincluded to provide a certain level of protection to prevent theft ofthe various items that will be provided in connection with and storedwithin the mobile apparatus 40.

The mobile apparatus 40 is adapted to perform multiple functions from asingle location (e.g., airport terminal gate area) using, for example,multiple built-in automatic test devices and user accessibleself-checkout and install systems. Further, the maintenance andmanagement of pre-configured portable electronic devices (e.g., laptopPCs) is also provided.

Specifically, a mobile apparatus 40 constructed according to theprinciples of the present invention preferably provides the followingfunctions:

(1) Portable electronic device 20 self-verification or testing;

(2) Initial software self install using various electronic media (e.g.,CD-ROM or external hard drive);

(3) Installation of external storage device (e.g., hard drive); and

(4) Loaner portable electronic device (e.g., laptop) checkout.

With respect to self-verification or testing of a portable electronicdevice 20, the portable electronic device 20 is connected to the mobileapparatus 40 via connectors 44 using an existing I/O device of theportable electronic device 20, such as, for example, a configuredWireless 802.11 B interface card, an RJ-45 connector Ethernet cable or astandard USB cable. It should be noted that self-verification or testingis provided for pre-configured portable electronic devices 20. Theseinclude devices that have appropriate software loaded thereon via, forexample, the Internet 22, electronic media 24 or pre-installed on theportable electronic device 20 as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, the capabilitiesof these portable electronic devices 20 previously have been determined,and preferably, a quick connection access selector member (e.g., an iconon a laptop desktop) has been pre-installed on the portable electronicdevice 20 for activating the software to communicate with the on-boardsystem 28.

In operation, once the quick connection selector member is activated ona portable electronic device 20 connected to the mobile apparatus 40using an appropriate connector 44, the installed software attempts toconnect to a Web site emulator provided on a control device, such as acontrol laptop 46 of the mobile apparatus 40. The control laptop 46 maybe provided using any known PC laptop and is preferably securedlyattached to the mobile apparatus 40. Further, the control laptop 46 isconfigured in any known manner to provide the Web site emulatorfunctionality.

It should be noted that various types of connectors 44 are preferablyprovided to connect portable electronic devices 20 to the mobileapparatus 40. For example, and as shown in FIG. 4, multiple RJ-45Ethernet connectors 41 and a USB port 43 may be provided. As showntherein, an Ethernet 10/100 Base-T Router 45 is provided to allow forbi-directional communication between a connected portable electronicdevice 20 and the control laptop 46. A USB-Ethernet converter 47 is alsoprovided to provide bi-directional communication between a USB connectedportable electronic device 20 and the control laptop 46 via the Ethernet10/100 Base-T Router 45. Additional component parts or support membersalso may be provided, including, for example, a 802.11 B wireless accessinterface 49.

If a successful connection is established between the portableelectronic device 20 and the control laptop 46 running the Web siteemulator, an approval notification is provided on the control laptop 46confirming the connection. The portable electronic device 20 is thenphysically disconnected from the mobile apparatus 40 and is ready forconnection to the on-board system 28 (i.e., compatibility andconfiguration confirmed).

If a successful connection is not established (i.e., portable electronicdevice 20 fails to log on), the installed software preferably will exitwith an appropriate error message provided by the control laptop 46. Ina more preferred embodiment, the error message provides information tohelp an operator of the mobile apparatus 40 diagnose and determine thefault or error, and properly configure the electronic device 20.Examples of such diagnostic messages include:

-   -   1.“Failure to establish a basic connection”, which error message        may require the operator to perform one or more of the following        actions:        -   A. Confirm Ethernet/USB cables are secure;        -   B. Confirm Ethernet cards are properly connected (i.e.,            inserted);        -   C. Verify laptop is running under normal boot mode; or        -   D. Confirm drivers are active in the system file.    -   2.“Inability to interface with browser”, which error message may        require the operator to perform one or more of the following        actions:        -   A. Confirm that no other programs are running that use            resources required for proper browser operation (e.g., use            of all available RAM by another program);        -   B. Verify that browser is operational and active on the            desktop; or        -   C. Verify that any personal firewall software is not            blocking access.

Thereafter, the portable electronic device 20 is reconfigured asdescribed herein.

If a portable electronic device 20 is not configured for operation, suchthat no pre-installation of software has been provided, the presentinvention provides for configuring the portable electronic device 20. Inparticular, if the portable electronic device 20 includes a CD-ROM/DVDdrive, an install compact disc (CD) 51 stored within the mobileapparatus 40 will be provided for execution that will verify the systemconfiguration (i.e., hardware 32 capabilities) of the portableelectronic device 20 and thereafter install the needed software 30. Onceinstallation is complete, the portable electronic device 20 can beverified and tested as described above to confirm proper configuration.

If a CD-ROM/DVD drive is not installed or available on the portableelectronic device 20, and the appropriate software has not beeninstalled, either a USB based external hard disk 48 or a two gigabyte(2GB) PCMCIA Type II PC Card 50 (collectively “storage devices”) may beconnected to the portable electronic device 20 to access the neededsoftware. It should be noted that both of these storage devices arepreferably compatible with different operating environments (i.e., PCand Macintosh operating systems).

The storage devices when connected to the portable electronic device 20allow access to install software via standard file manipulation tools ofthe portable electronic device 20 to perform required system checkout(i.e., determine hardware 32 capabilities) and software installation.Again, after installation is complete, self-verification or testing ofthe portable electronic device 20 may be provided as described above.The storage devices (i.e., drives) are preferably mounted to theportable device 40 in any suitable manner with access provided usingknown cable or insertion methods. Further, these storage devices arepreferably maintained by the control laptop 46, which provides controlfunctionality as needed, such as, for example, cleaning each storagedevice (i.e., erasing settings and personal information) after its use,and installing a fresh software image for the next user.

If a mobile electronic device 20 is hardware compliant and includes anavailable PC slot (i.e., PCMCIA Type II PC Card slot), but lacks therequired install software, the present invention also provides forsampling the services provided by the on-board system 28 without loadingthe required software. Specifically, a PCMCIA Type II PC card 50 isloaded into a PC slot of the portable electronic device 20, which may bea laptop computer in this case, and a setup program is executed thatcopies critical files needed for communication with the portableelectronic device 20 onto the external drive (i.e., PC card 50). Itshould be noted that the BIOS settings of the portable electronic device20 are preferably changed to provide booting from the PC slot drive. Alocal printer 52 (e.g., laser printer) may be used to provide a hardcopy of all original and changed settings, as well as full details forsystem recovery. This hard copy printout also provides a means foraccounting for storage devices.

In operation, with the PC card 50 installed in the portable electronicdevice 20, access to the on-board system 28 is provided. Further, accessto files existing on the portable electronic device 20, such as on alaptop hard drive, is also provided. The PC card 50 is returned afteruse and stored in the mobile apparatus 40. In connection with anaircraft environment, the PC card 50 may be returned in flight toon-board personnel, or upon landing to an operator of the mobileapparatus 40. Upon return of the PC card 50, all information on the PCcard 50 is erased and the settings of the portable electronic device 20are returned to their original condition. It should be noted that the PCcards 50 are also maintained by the control laptop 46, which providescontrol functionality as needed. Further, the mobile apparatus 40provides for rapid reimaging of the PC cards 50 after each use, whichmay be provided by, for example, a common ganged PC slot external deviceas is known, and shown in FIG. 4 as a PC Slot Hard Disks Imager 54.

If a portable electronic device 20 is not available, such that it doesnot meet the minimum hardware 32 capabilities required to access theon-board system 28, or a user does not want the necessary softwareinstalled, loaner portable electronic devices, such as loaner laptops 56stored within the mobile apparatus 40 are provided. Preferably, theloaner laptops 56 include all required software to access the on-boardsystem 28 via a PCMCIA Type II PC Card 50 that is adapted for easyremoval and re-imaging between uses. The operator of the mobileapparatus 40 preferably performs a user customization to personalize theloaner laptop 56 for a particular user. Again, the local printer 52 maybe used to provide a hard copy of all settings, as well as provide areceipt for tracking the loaned hardware. A laptop battery charger 58connected to AC power 60 is provided to recharge stored loaner laptops56.

The loaner laptops 56 include standard mail and browser software, andpreferably provide multiple language support, as well as the standardMicrosoft® Office tool suite with multiple language support. Further,the loaner laptops 56 preferably do not include an internal hard disk,but include a DVD player to provide local entertainment (i.e., DVD movieviewing) if desired. Again, the removable PC cards 50 in the loanerlaptops 56 are maintained by the control laptop 46, which providescontrol functionality as needed. The PC slot Hard Disks Imager 56 may beused to rapidly reimage the PC cards 50 after each use.

With respect to configuring the portable electronic devices 20 forcommunication with the on-board system 28, various configuration methodsmay be provided in connection with the sources shown in FIG. 1.Specifically, and for example, for Web based configuration softwareprovided via the Internet 22, Java code may be provided and resides on aspecific supported Web site for access to preconfigure the portableelectronic devices 20 for use in later communication with the on-boardsystem 28. The use of Java allows the code to configure different typesof portable electronic devices 20 (i.e., both PC and Macintoshcomputers). The code preferably provides a non-invasive check of theportable electronic device 20 for minimum capabilities (i.e., adequatehardware 32 support). Essentially, a PC checkout service is providedthat searches the portable electronic device 20 and determines softwarepackages that are present, and may determine if updated versions areavailable for download.

Once the portable electronic device 20 is confirmed, such that itincludes the minimum capabilities to access the on-board system 28 via,for example, an Ethernet, USB, or 802.11 B wireless connection, a quickconnection selector member (i.e., icon) may be provided to the portableelectronic device 20 (e.g., on a laptop desktop). If such a quickconnection selector member is desired, the code determines the email,browser, and other key Internet settings of the portable electronicdevice 20, as well as the specifics of the user of the portableelectronic device 20, and builds a standalone program that allows quickconnection (e.g., single click) connect to the on-board system 28. Oncethe process is complete, configuration of the portable electronic device20 may be verified and tested as described herein using a land-basedemulator as part of the mobile apparatus 40.

For electronic media 24 based system configuration software, similarJava code may be provided to reside on a CD ROM media for distributionas either a standalone CD or as an addition to other mass distributionCDs (e.g., AOL, MSN, Netscape, or other communication software installdisks). Again, the code would provide a non-invasive check of theportable electronic device 20 for minimum capabilities (i.e., adequatehardware 32 support).

Once the portable electronic device 20 is confirmed, such that itincludes the minimum capabilities to access the on-board system 28 via,for example, an Ethernet, USB, or 802.11 B wireless, a quick connectionselector member (i.e., icon) may be provided to the portable electronicdevice 20 (e.g., on a laptop desktop). If such a quick connectionselector member is desired, the code determines the email, browser, andother key Internet settings of the portable electronic device 20, aswell as the specifics of the user of the portable electronic device 20,and builds a standalone program that allows quick connection (e.g.,single click) connect to the on-board system 28. Once the process iscomplete, configuration of the portable electronic device 20 may beverified and tested as described herein using a land-based emulator aspart of the mobile apparatus 40.

For preinstalled software 26, a subset of the Java code described aboveis preferably provided for pre-loading on new portable electronicdevices 20. Again, a quick connection selector member (i.e., icon) maybe provided to the portable electronic device 20 (e.g., on a laptopdesktop). If such a quick connection selector member is desired, thecode determines the email, browser, and other key Internet settings ofthe portable electronic device 20, as well as the specifics of the userof the portable electronic device 20, and builds a standalone programthat allows quick connection (e.g., single click) connect to theon-board system 28. Once the process is complete, configuration of theportable electronic device 20 may be verified and tested as describedherein using a land-based emulator as part of the mobile apparatus 40.

For external boot configuration software, Java code is again provided,and a quick connection selector member (i.e., icon) may be provided. Ifa quick connection selector member is desired, the code determines theemail, browser, and other key Internet settings of the portableelectronic device 20, as well as the specifics of the user of theportable electronic device 20, and builds a standalone program thatallows quick connection (e.g., single click) connect to the on-boardsystem 28 and configures the PC card slot of the portable electronicdevice 20 accordingly for running the portable electronic device 20therefrom. The Java code will also provide full details of the systemconfigurations of the portable electronic device 20 copied, andgenerates a hard copy printout as described herein.

For loaner laptop 56 configuration software, Java code is provided thatdetermines the email, browser, and other key Internet settings for aparticular user, along with user information, and configures the loanerlaptop 56 for temporary use.

For external hard disk re-imaging software, a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf(COTS) software preferably uses a script to erase and rebuild thevarious disk images that will be used on the external PC-Slot harddrives after each use.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with amobile apparatus constructed with specific component parts andconfigured in a particular manner, it should be appreciated thatadditional or alternate component parts may be provided, and the mobileapparatus constructed according to the requirements of the mobileplatform in connection with which portable devices configured accordingto the present invention may be used.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A mobile computing apparatus for use in ensuring proper configurationof at least one portable device to be used on-board a mobile platform,said apparatus comprising: a configuration module that directlyinterfaces with at least one portable device, communicatively connectedto the mobile apparatus, with access software for accessing a local areanetwork (LAN) on-board the mobile platform; and a control deviceincluding a Web site emulator, the control device adapted to operativelyconnect with the portable device and simulate an Internet connection,utilizing the Web site emulator, and on-board content provided by theLAN on-board the mobile platform upon activation of the access softwareto thereby test the portable device to ensure compatibility with the LANon-board the mobile platform.
 2. The mobile apparatus according to claim1 wherein, the mobile apparatus further comprises a memory portion forobtaining configuration information when the portable device iscommunicatively connected.
 3. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1wherein the mobile apparatus further comprises an input/output deviceadapted to communicatively connect to the portable device for providingconfiguration information.
 4. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1wherein the mobile apparatus further comprises electronic media forinstallation within the portable device to provide configurationinformation.
 5. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1 furthercomprising support means for storing at least one pre-configuredportable device.
 6. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1 furthercomprising means for providing confirmation of a properly configuredportable device.
 7. The mobile apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe portable device comprises at least one of a portable computer and aportable data assistant (PDA) and the mobile apparatus is constructed asa cart to provide the means for configuring.
 8. The mobile apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the control device includes a Web siteemulator for simulating the service the Internet connection and theon-board content provided by the LAN on-board the mobile platform.
 9. Asystem for configuring portable devices for operation in connection witha subsystem of a mobile platform, the system provided at a terminal ofthe mobile platform and comprising: a support portion for storingpre-configured portable devices adapted for operation in connection withthe subsystem of the mobile platform; a memory portion accessible by theportable devices for obtaining software needed to configure the portabledevices for operation in connection with the subsystem of the mobileplatform; and a testing portion including a control device including aWeb site emulator, the control device adapted to communicatively connectwith the portable devices and simulate an Internet connection, utilizingthe Web site emulator, and on-board content provided by the subsystemon-board the mobile platform upon activation of the software to therebytest the portable devices to confirm proper configuration for operationin connection with the subsystem of the mobile platform.
 10. The systemaccording to claim 9 wherein the terminal is an airport terminal and thestorage portion, memory portion and testing portion are adapted forimplementation within a mobile wheeled cart provided at a gate area ofthe airport terminal.
 11. The system according to claim 10 wherein thetesting portion comprises a plurality of connections adapted forconnection to different types of portable devices.
 12. The systemaccording to claim 10 further comprising removable storage deviceshaving configuration information therein and adapted for removal fromthe mobile wheeled cart and connection to the portable devices.
 13. Thesystem according to claim 12 wherein the removable storage devicescomprise recordable media.
 14. The system according to claim 12 whereinthe removable storage devices comprise memory cards adapted forconnection to the portable devices.
 15. The system according to claim 14wherein the memory cards are PCMCIA configured.
 16. The system accordingto claim 10 further comprising a printer for providing a report of testresults performed on a portable device using the testing portion.
 17. Amethod for configuring portable electronic devices at a mobile platformterminal to access a local area network (LAN) on-board the mobileplatform and communicate therewith, the portable electronic devicescarried on-board the mobile platform and the method comprising the stepsof: configuring the portable electronic devices, utilizing a mobileapparatus at the terminal, with access software for accessing the systemon-board the mobile platform; communicatively connecting the portableelectronic devices to a control device of the mobile apparatus;simulating a connection of the portable electronic devices to theInternet utilizing a Web site emulator included in the control device;simulating on-board content provided by the LAN on-board the mobileplatform using the control device; and activating the access software toaccess the simulated Internet connection and on-board content on thecontrol device, thereby testing the portable electronic devices at theterminal prior to accessing the (LAN) on-board the mobile platform toensure proper configuration for accessing the (LAN) on-board the mobileplatform.
 18. The method according to claim 17 further comprisingproviding pre-configured portable electronic devices using the steps ofconfiguring and testing.
 19. The method according to claim 17 furthercomprising using a removable interface adapted for connection to theportable electronic devices to provide the step of configuring.
 20. Themethod according to claim 17, wherein simulating an Internet connectionand on-board content provided by the LAN on-board the mobile platformcomprises activating a Web site emulator provided on the control devicefor simulating the service the Internet connection and the on-boardcontent.